PenFed's Schenck Honored at Canine Companions for Independence’s Hearts and Heroes Gala

TYSONS, Va.– James Schenck, President and CEO of PenFed Credit Union, was honored at the Canine Companions for Independence’s Hearts and Heroes Gala for his commitment to helping veterans and those with disabilities through establishment of a corporate volunteer program at PenFed in partnership with Canine Companions for Independence. Schenck received the Hearts & Heroes award, an annual award given in recognition of an individual’s extraordinary compassion for and contributions to people experiencing a disability.  “I’m honored by this recognition, but it truly is an act of love that is core to who I am and what PenFed stands for that brings us together with Canine Companions to help make possible the transformative impact on the lives of people with disabilities – and especially the lives of our nation’s heroes,” said Schenck. “The Canine Companions team is comprised of true leaders and they inspire others to do more and have a bigger positive impact on those around them. We’re so pleased with this partnership, and look forward to deepening it in the months and years to come.” Schenck described during his remarks how he has always lived life by the motto of aligning one’s purpose with passion in order to achieve incredible results. A former Army aviator, Schenck’s purpose is to lift up others and support veterans and he’s always loved and raised dogs. Two years ago, upon meeting Emmy Award-Winning journalist Andrea McCarren, he realized his destiny to combine his purpose and passion with puppies. McCarren demonstrated to Schenck her firsthand experiences and the positive impact being a puppy raiser has on the lives of others – especially veterans. Schenck also recognized PenFed’s first volunteer puppy raisers Lisa Jennings, First Senior Executive Vice President and Emma Phillips, University Relations and Campus Recruit Lead for their hearts of service and for living by the credit union purpose of “people helping people.” In addition to raising three assistance dogs in its Tysons, Virginia office, PenFed has given more than $100,000 in support of Canine Companion’s mission. PenFed’s investment helped the expansion of the organization’s Veterans Initiative – adding a new program that supports veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).“PenFed has been the ideal corporate partner: supportive, creative, and dedicated. We are thrilled to present this award to James and to recognize all he and the entire PenFed team have done to help give those with disabilities the unconditional love and supportive companionship they deserve,” said Debra Dougherty, Executive Director of Canine Companions for Independence Northeast Region. “Canine Companions is extremely grateful to PenFed for its support in raising these dogs to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. We are excited to continue this partnership with a mission-driven organization like PenFed and its dedicated employees.”